My family was supposed to leave for Kansas City today by 7:30 am. We didn't leave town till ten. I was awakened by Erick at 8:20 who had my mom on the phone urging me to leave, because she was in town waiting for us after she had picked Mikal up from some Scout sleepover thing that he was at. Of course, as soon as Erick had left the room, I fell asleep again, only to hear my dad yelling "Come On!" in his disappointed/pissed voice yelling at the top of his lungs. At that point I got out of bed, threw my clothes on, and just sort of walked around the house yelling at people to hurry up. I wasn't in a good mood because I had stayed up till three or four the previous night, and I always feel dirty in the mornings until I shower, which made my mood even worse, and I didn't have any socks on as I walked about the house, and people were tracking in snow as the scuffled to and from the car, which meant that I kept stepping in water, which was really uncomfortable, plus they always left the door open. I continued to dawdle, convinced that I was ready to leave, and that everyone else was to blame for our off schedule departure, even as I didn't have any socks on. Throughout this time, my mom kept calling me to see how far along the road we were, and each time I had to tell her that we hadn't even left yet, which added to my irritation because I was reminded that we needed to go somewhere I was also annoyed at my mom for calling me so many times. I really hate receiving phone calls when I am in a bad mood. It felt like these phone calls where distracting me from doing something, which was actually nothing. Eventually I just resolved to take a shower, because I figured that we weren't going to leave for a while anyways. I did, and afterwords I was put in a much better mood, until I went downstairs and it took me three tries to get good socks, but when I did I was fine. Yet another thing that was making me irate was my sore throat that has been bothering me for the past couple of days. I gargled some Listerine which presumably made it better, because it didn't bother me all day until now, because I just thought of it. I was just generally groggy and pissy. At some point my family got it's shit together and we piled into the big green van. Of course, the fights erupted almost immediately, in the tradition of being about almost absolutely nothing. I think someone Erick and Stephen were clawing over who got to lean their head where. After things got settled in the van, we took off, only to have my dad almost get stuck in the snow, but fortunately for all our eardrums, he was able to get out in a most timely manner. Before we could meet up with my mom and brother Mikal, both of whom had been waiting way past the point at which they were supposed to get picked up, I needed to be dropped off at Tott's to pick up my car, which turned out to be fine. Well, they fixed it. The Serpentine Belt had broken, which cost eighty three dollars to fix. After I had the car picked up, at the insistence of the usual nagging phone call from my mother, I was obliged by agreement to go check on some heating vent at Dragonmouth. Apparently the heater will shut off if the steam hole on a house is blocked by snow. It was fine. I met up with my family at St. Luke's hospital where my mom and brother had been waiting and we finally set off. In the car we were served Hy-Vee knock off pop tarts and Land O'Lakes Orange juice. It made for one delicious meal... Not. To entertain everyone for a pit, I got out my Blackberry and read off some riddles from the internet. Of course, these distractions couldn't prevent the inevitable. As soon as we hit the freeway, Mary announced that she had to go to the bathroom. we stopped at the first one out of Sioux City. after that, I took a nap to the sounds of the narration of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I awoke in Omaha outside the children's museum. I was not enthused. Mikal wasn't too happy either. He had stayed up all night at his scouting event, and due to the babies and Stephen's excessive talking, he was unable to "get an ounce of sleep". He was pissed. I decided that I didn't want to go into the museum when I saw that most of the people going in there were not exactly people I could relate too, since I am not at least 10 years younger. Billy and I went on walking towards the shopping district by the Gene Leahy mall.

I just woke up. I was awakened by my dear sweet mother with a flurry of bright lights, frantic cries for help, and desperate incompetancy. My mother had gotten stuck in the snow and me and my dad needed to shovel her out immediately. She was already late to work! She made it sound like she had high centered the car amidst a four foot high snow bank. Then, when we got outside, she informed us that our neighbors dogs had stolen our shovels- straight from a fifties sitcom, and we would have to go hassle our neighbors about it. Her car was hardly stuck. One wheel was slightly comprimised by the snow. I got in the car and begam rocking it back and forth, and my dad pushed the front when I was in reverse. It took us less than a minute. I am curious to know how long she tried before she came begging for help. I can't imagine she waited to long. I imagine she was already running late, as usual, but this gave her an excuse to front the blame on me for not instantly waking up and a chance for her to excersise her wonderful freaking out abilities. I was tempted to recite the parable where Hercules refuses to help the man stuck in the mud. I didn't. The whole thing was just annoying. I think I will go back to sleep now.

Dead, or Hopefully Just Lacking a Functioning Alternator

Earlier today as I was heading to John's house to find something to do, I was driving my car- my usual method of transportation. Now, my car isn't the greatest, it is probably headed for the grave. As I was driving to John's, I ran over the train track where cars are supposed to go. As soon as I hit the bump, trouble came. The heater went from full blast to half-ass, the radio shut off, and I lost power steering. This raised some alarms for me, so I called John. He had me check my brakes, and they were fine. He told me to just continue on my way, but park facing down the hill by his hous in case my car should decided not to start. This would make pushing easy. I agreed with this course of action. We went to a movie with some friends in John's car. When we arrived back at John's house and I chose to leave, I found that my car did start, but only after the third try. It didn't sound nice either. The car sounded like a weak tortured animal being prodded to move when all it wants is to just quit the terrible life it was living. I didn't let my car quit. I headed home, and everything was fine. My leather jacket that I got for Christmas kept me warm, and I sang songs to make up for the lack of radio. This paradise was soon lost. As I was a approaching a red light, my spedometer started going nuts, dancing all over the place, finally resting at zero. The engine considered it unfair that the spedometer should be allowed to rest while the engine was working, and the engine stopped, and rolled to a stop at the light. I tried to restart the engine, but all I heard was this horrendous clicking noise. By this time I already had John on the phone. I advised me to call my parents. I did. My mom suggested that John should come pick me up. I said I wanted them to pick me up. She agreed to send my dad. I waited in the cold, waving cars past me, explaining I had someone coming to the good Saritans who checked to see that I was O.K.. After about ten minutes of waiting' Kane Martin drove up behind me because he was on his way home. This gave him a good excuse to be home late, so he let me keep warm in his car as I waited for my dad to come. Some jackass family drove up behind my car, and not seeing anyone in it, they had to make it their buisness. I saw them looking at my car, so O got out of Kane's car and let them know that it was mine. The man let me know that the law was on its way. He started asking me all sorts of questions about my car as if it were his buiseness. The first question he asked me was ridiculous. He asked why my car was in the middle of the street. So I had to explain to him how it had quit running, then he had a real question. He asked why I didn't have my hazards on, so I told him that those had quit too. After the man got back in his car, I noticed that he was just sorta chilling behind my car, not moving. I went and asked him what was up, and he told me that he was going to sit there and use his car's hazard lights. I told him that my friend could just out his car there, and they could all just be on their way, but he responded that they were fine. I went back to Kane's car and chilled in the warmth until my dad showed up, at which point the jackasses left. Kane left after them. I got in my car and my dad situated his car behind mine with the plan to push it bumper to bumper into the gas station parking lot. This worked like a charm, with my dad graciously ramming my car's rear with his car, moving its butt slowly, surely, until we got to the slight incline into the gas station. The icy conditions prooved a bit much more my dad's tires so we had to get out and push my car up a little so that may dad's car would be able to build up speed to get up the ramp, then slow down, then ram my car. during this time the cops came and left without noticing us, so there was no hassle from them to worry about. I got my car parked and I got in my dad's car which hyad a fully functioning heater, which was most certainly heaven found after I had been frozen in Iowa winter weather. My dad drove me home, and the car will get towed to the mechanic tomorrow for either its autopsy or fixing. I can only hope at thid point. That car has served me well, not crashing when my driving skills were absent, not remaining stuck in the snow when other cars would have needed a tow truck. And that car took so much abuse. The junk piled high in it, the people piled higher. Its side was scrathed badly. More dings cover it. Its windshield is cracked. After all this, it still lived to serve me. May it rest iin peace, or live on to fight on... At least until I get another car.

Miguel Freaks Out. Anyone Surprised?

So for Christmas, I got two significant gifts from my family. I received a Blackberry phone from my mom, which I am actually typing on right now and a badass leather jacket from my grandmother. Of course, I quickly added as many contacts as I could so I could begin executing one of the most important functions of phones for me: the mass text. Today, a situation arose which required me to send a mass text, actually several of them. I was with John and Kane, and we were trying to figure out something to do for the evening. Originally, I had set out for Naomi's house from McCook at the invitation of John, who was also going there. However, John found out that Jackson, Aubrey, and Miguel (who he now refers to as "The Triple Entaunte") were there, so he decided that he would stay at his house and invite Kane and me to join him. Eventually, after several frustrating minutes on our Blackberry's web browsers and phones, we found out there was a showing of "Up in the Air" at 7:25 that we wanted to go see. So, I sent out a mass text that invited everyone to the movie. However, I received a text from Mike Wellman which informed me that he was actually having people over gfor a movie at his house. After some deliberation, we decided that this called for a change in plans, so I sent out another mass text inviting people to ask Mike if they could come over, and I added that they should bring food. Soon another wrench was thrown in our plans. David, who apparently watches out for awkward social situations, informed John that the Triple Entaunte had shifted from Naomi's to Mike's. Again, I was required to send a mass text which told people that the movie was still on. This created a lot of confusion, but I sorted through it. The movie was good, and actually at one point during the movie they mentioned how rude it was to break up with someone via text. That statement was a good fit for John because that is one of the reason's he doesn't like Aubrey, because that's how she dumped him. After the movie was finished, to continue me tradition of mass texting, I sent a text which read "Hey, thanks for coming/too bad you didn't come. We had a great time at the movie, let's do it again sometime/ha ha, you missed out, looks like you should listen to me and my texts. :)" which was soon followed by a text which simply read "...Respectively" so that people would understand that they were to pick the statements that applied to them. After the movie, we all went to Perkin's for some Nom. While we were waiting for our meal, I received a phone call from Miguel. As soon as I had the reciever to my ear, he began flipping shit on me, exclaiming that he knew that he had more fun than me and it wasn't right for me to send that text because I had no idea about all the fun they were having. Miguel had taken serious offence. I tried to tell him that my mass text had not been directed as a personal attack against him, and that my mass texts are supposed to taken lightlyn and that last one was definetly a joke. He told me that in order for it to be a joke it had to "have jk or lol" in it. Miguel just wasn't listening to reason, so our conversation ended mid-conflict. Now, Miguel was just looking to pick a fight, because this wasn't about how some text was worded, it was about Jackson and Aubrey. To a large extent, Aubrey has been cut off from our friend group because she was mostly involved with us because of John. I am still personally friends with her, I have known her since middle school, but I felt like hanging out with John tonight. Miguel is a feirce defender of Aubrey, who John will not hang out with, and this conflict has led to Miguel making himself enemies with John. Now, Miguel probably knew that the reason we didn't go to Mike's was because of the conflict between John and the Triple Entaunte. Miguel probably saw my text as a way for me to spiritually lift the group of people who I was hanging out with above the group who he was hang out with. This really makes me angry, because I am a well known supporter of them, in fact, I had been hanging out with then the previous night. And that night I stated to them that it was a shame that this division in our friendship occured. I don't want to be ostracized for hanging out with people. Miguel agreed. It makes me mad that Miguel would get mad at me over some silly text message and think that I was getting into this stupid bullshit friend war. I will hang out with whoever I want to, and my mass texts are not malicious political weapons, especially the ones that end with a smiley face. Miguel called me later that night to apologize for freaking out, and I accepted his apology. I hate arguing with Miguel, it is one of the worst things in the woirld.

"The First Annual Bi-Weekly Town Hall Meeting of Dragonmouth"

Miguel decided on Sunday night that the Jackson situation in which Jack is living at Dragonmouth needed to cease, and he was going to set about the events necessary for this to occur. Well, it was well established in most people's heads that Jackson needed to get out. People have been talking about how they aren't as comfortable going over there with him there, it tends to be messy, he leaves his shit all around, etc, ad infinitum, and so forth, plus additional comments. Miguel felt like this weasly, talk-secretly-and-don't-have-any-balls attitude that everyone seemed to have about their feelings for the need for Jackson's dismissal needed to end. While Miguel, Tony, and I were bitching about the situation, Miguel came up with this meeting idea. He would invite "everyone who gives a shit about Dragonmouth" with the idea that we could all meet at Dragonmouth and everyone could express their opinions openly and we could come up with a resolution to kick Jackson out. So, Miguel got on Facebook and invited people, and it was set.

Tuesday at 1, I showed up for the meeting. Jessie, Kane, Jack Obrien, Stephanie, Miguel were there. John was going to be a little late, and at 1:05, Conner texted Miguel, "So, Dragonmeeting is still at 2, right?". John and Conner showed up, but Jackson was missing. This was not pleasing to everyone, and general sentiment towards Jackson continued to sour. Miguel called his phone several times without Jack anwsering, so we began planning to have the meeting without him, but eventually he picked up. He was at Aubrey's house; he had lost track of time.

The meeting began without him, and it was quickly established that everyone there was opposed to him living there. Some strong logical "Cards" set up were that 1. Dragonmouth is not life, we are sheltering Jack from having to deal with his problems by allowing him to stay there. 2. Jackson is using Greg Danner (me). 3. Jackson doesn't respect Greg Danner. 4. It is not our concern if Jackson doesn't have a place to go, our governance ends at the property line of Dragonmouth. 5. The last time the house was rented, it ran for $1200 a month, at a great deal, which Jackson cannot possibly afford.

There were probably more that I am forgetting, and I am not exactly racking my brain. Some other items were addressed at the meeting. A new rule was established that if any illegal activities are occurring at Dragonmouth, I am to be called immediately, and if I am not available, another patron is to be called, preferably John or Matt. Everyone is to act as an authority in kicking people out who are breaking Dragonmouth's prohibition policy, in the defence of Dragonmouth. I gave everyone a bit of apologetics to use in case they had to deal with that. the previous night, Jack and I were there playing video games when my mom came in unannounced, without even knowing whether or not I was there. If she came in and bad stuff was happening, then basically everything would be fucked.

Jackson and Aubrey showed up, and the matter was handled delicately, and Jack took everything we had to say perfectly. He respected our decisions, well, my decision, and an official 30 day notice was given. Eviction would occur at the end of the 30 days. Eviction was defined as Miguel bringing Jack's stuff over to Jack's dad's house.

The meeting ran as cleanly as possible, except for one thing which I regret doing. When I told John that Aubrey and Jack were coming, he told me that he would leave because of her. I went off and told Jackson that he should come without her because I had reasons that I didn't want to disclose for why she shouldn't be there. They, as anyone would, saw right through it and demanded that I admit that it was because of John. Jack threatened to not come if Aubrey couldn't come. At that point they were outside. I announced to everyone that they had arrived, and I guess John had changed his mind at that point, so he stayed, they came in, and the movie went on. I sent Aubrey a long text apologizing for it. "Sorry for being a bitch earlier. I was acting like a little not cool person. I was under a lot of pressure from everyone. It wasn't john who wanted me to ask you to (not) come. It was me because i felt like i needed him. In the end i just simply told john that you were coming and at that point he chose to stay as well. I am glad that you stood up to me. sometimes i get lost in power, so i really appreciate that you had the balls to talk me down. Sorry." I sent her that at 1:30 AM, so she hasn't responded yet.

Jackson

So Dragonmouth has been Jackson's full time home for a week now. I am cool with him living there, as long as he respects me and no one can tell he lives there. He sleeps in the main room on the pullout couch, so I don't want his shit lying all around if people are over. I know that neither of those two requirements will be fulfilled all the time, so I want him out. Just today, I asked him to turn the volume down on his game, and he asked me why. I explained why I wanteed it down, and he still refused. I know this seems like a small issue to be freaking out over, but it's the principal of who is in charge. I want it reenforced exactly who makes the rules here. I feel like I need to nip him on the ear so he knows that I am the alpha male here. His attitude in things like this may have been why his dad kicked him out of his own house. I have no idea how I am going to let him really know that he has to respect me. I expect anyone to listen to what I say concerning that house, because I am the one who is in charge, I am the one who has staked his ass on it, the one who has worked so damn hard on it, and Jackson needs to understand that him staying there doesn't give him more privaleges or power, but more responsibility. I just need him to do what the fuck I say. I know I have everyone's backing on this, which is a comforting thought. In fact, people are loudly voicing anti Jackson feelings. This actually has been detrimental, because some feel as if I am a pushover for letting him stay there. This whole situation just sucks. I don't want him there, but I don't want to be an asshole.

I still don't even understand why his dad kicked him out of his house. Perhaps I am doing Jackson a disservice by preventing him from learning his lesson about not being a punk to his dad, if that is the case, which I suspect it to be, based on the treatment that I have received so far. A lot of times when I ask him to do shit, I get "I will". I really don't appreciate that, because I want shit done when I ask. I don't allow myself any concessions when I am cleaning the place up or taking care of Dragonmouth, so it seems ridiculous that I should let him. It is so difficult to not be a pushover.

Early Bird Dumbassery

Yesterday in Early bird at my high school, Bishop Heelan, Grace came in about a good ten minutes late. She came in with a late pass that was marked "Unexcused". She did have a perfectly fine excuse: Her tire blew out. There wasn't even a question of believability on this one, her mom had called in and explained the situation. However, the dumbass administration at our fair school has as one of it's policies to only allow one car excuse per year. Because otherwise, "People would just use that excuse all the time." To make my position clear on this issue, I feel that this is absolutely atrocious. As long as the parent endorses their kid's absense from school, any abscence should be allowed. There isn't a moral obligation to go to school, and it's ok to be late. School is just a place where learning people are privaleged to learn. If people choose to not take advantage of it, then no one is harmed but them, so it makes no sense to punish them if the parents endorse it. Kids are the responsibility of the parent, and if the parent feels that it is ok for their kid to miss ten minutes of school because their tire blew out, then I'ld say no disciplinary action is needed.

Beleive it or not, that wasn't why I am writing now. That dumbassery is a big deal, and it needs to be erradicated, but it didn't surprise me at all. My school administration is an incompetant pile, and I have been dealing with that for the past 3.5 years. What surprised me was what happened next. Lauren, a girl who is habitually late, and always excused, walked in ten minutes after Grace did with another excused pass. Her excuse, one of her most frequently used, was that "She was feeeling sick when she got up that morning". The class was in an uproar, and rightfully so. Grace had been wronged. Grace deserved an excused pass. However, the class began attacking Lauren. They began exclaiming how it was wildly unfair that Lauren got off so frequently while others didn't get off when they had legitemate excuses. I immediatly spoke up on Lauren's part. She has nothing to do with Grace not getting off, Ms. Joyce, the school secretary who makes the decisions was completely to blame for that. Plus, it doesn't make sense to want to bring Lauren down to bring justice to Grace. It's not like Ms. Joyce can only give out a certain number of excused passes per day, there are an infinite number of excused passes. Despite this, the class actually felt that something needed to be done about Lauren. They wanted to rob Lauren of the good she was receiving to somehow bring justice to Grace. They barraged the teacher so much with their outcries that he agreed that he would talk to them about Grace... and Lauren! In the end, the administration decided that Grace was still counted as late, but now Lauren, no matter what her excuse, will forever be counted as unexcused, because my dumbass classmates don't understand that someone can be undeservedly priveleged without hurting someone who isn't rightfully priveleged. It's not a zero sum game.